Submitted. The Abbotsford Police Department is investigating three early morning break and enter incidents where the suspect(s) gained entry into the residences while occupants were in their homes, and a fourth incident where suspects were inside when the homeowner came home from work.
The first incident took place sometime between 8:00 pm on Sunday, September 22 and 6:00 am on Monday, September 23 in the 31000 block of Sidoni Avenue. At this location, parts of a home and garage were ransacked and tools, cash, and identification were taken from the residence and a vehicle parked in the garage. The suspects’ point of entry was likely an unlocked rear kitchen door.
The second incident took place sometime after midnight on Tuesday, September 24 in the 2600 block of Eagle Mountain Drive. Access was gained through a closed, but unlocked, basement door. A Kia Sportage vehicle was stolen from the driveway and numerous electronic items and liquor were stolen from the home. The Kia was located a short distance away.
The third reported incident took place in the 34700 block of Mila Street, also after midnight on September 24th. The suspect(s) rummaged through a vehicle in the driveway and apparently shook a rear sliding glass door off of its tracks in order to get inside the home. A wallet and electronics were taken from a kitchen table inside.
The fourth incident took place at 11:45 pm yesterday in a townhome located in the 33200 block of East Bourquin Crescent. A 50 year old resident arrived home from work to find two men inside his home. The suspects, both Caucasian males in their 20’s with backpacks, indicated that they were waiting for someone. They quickly fled the home and the resident discovered vehicle keys and a GPS device missing. The man’s wife was sleeping upstairs while the suspects were inside.
These “cat burglary” break and enters are unsettling not only because of the theft of valuables, but also because the residents were inside when the intruder(s) were committing the thefts. Three of these residences are homes with children. Although “cat burglaries” are rare, they are concerning to police and the community because of the potential for conflict between the occupants of the home and those breaking in.
We encourage residents to ensure their homes and vehicles are locked at all times and that all suspicious activity is reported to police.
Anyone with information about these break and enters should call the APD at 604-859-5225 or text us at 222973 (abbypd) or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.